Meet Our New GSI Director, Gene!
We’re excited to announce Gene Molina as the new Director of Good Soil Industries! His journey with GSI began when he was connected to the landscape company through the fatherhood program facilitated by Kingdom Causes Bellflower. The program proved to be a transformative experience for Gene, equipping him with valuable knowledge on handling finances and relationships in a healthy way. As part of the program, Gene was exposed to GSI and eventually joined the team for part-time work as a Lawn Maintenance Technician participant. With previous experience as a manager overseeing crews in plastering houses, Gene's skills caught the attention of the leadership at GSI, and they soon promoted him to full-time work as a route manager. Interestingly, Gene's first job experience can be traced back to his childhood, as he began working in landscaping at the age of six, accompanying a neighborhood gardener and learning how to operate lawn mowers. He describes his current role at GSI as a full-circle moment, where his early experiences and skills have culminated in his position as the director.
Gene during his first year at Good Soil Industries in 2014.
Gene working in the field as a route manager at GSI.
Gene acknowledges that he never anticipated reaching this position when he first started at GSI a decade ago. At the time, Gene struggled with transportation, was working on his housing, and didn’t have a family to lean on for support. Despite these personal challenges, Gene persevered, and his dedication to his work paid off in the long run. One of the most significant lessons Gene has learned throughout his GSI experience is the importance of not forgetting where he came from. This lesson allows him to have compassion for individuals who are currently going through the same struggles he once faced. Gene takes pride in encouraging and supporting new participants by sharing his own story, emphasizing that he started just like them and has now achieved many life goals.
When offering encouragement to new participants joining GSI, Gene advises them to put in the work. He believes that by doing so, they can transition from a survival mindset to truly living life to the fullest. One of the ways Gene enjoys cultivating the personal growth of his team is by continuing the tradition of the annual camping retreat where current and past GSI participants spend time together in the beautiful mountains of places like Bishop and Mammoth. Gene particularly relishes taking them off-roading during the retreat, further strengthening their camaraderie. As no surprise, off-roading is something Gene enjoys to do in his free time along with other activities, such as traveling to Mexico and attending NASCAR races.
Gene expresses gratitude to the community for their support of GSI. By hiring individuals from GSI, the community contributes to improving the lives of men and women with employment barriers. He sees this as a mutual benefit for everyone in which the community's support directly benefits GSI’s mission and, in turn, helps enhance the community itself. Gene looks forward to supporting his team and customers through his work as the new director of Good Soil Industries.
Interested in hiring the Good Soil Industries team for landscaping and lawn care services. Request a quote here!